G-SHOT Georgina (aka G), the Founder of G-SHOT, created in May 2020.

    

How did you get into photography? 

Every year I have a goal to learn something new or start a new hobby. In 2020 I decided I wanted to learn photography and go into music events as I had a lot of links within the music scene, mainly drum and bass events. After purchasing my start-up camera I spent hours everyday learning, watching youtube tutorials and researching everything. In February I photographed my first event which was Andy C in Plymouth University for OneLoveEvents. Then Coronavirus hit and everything stopped! Unfortunately I got made redundant from my day job as a visual member at Debenhams but my drive and passion for photography was still there which is where I turned to cars and my unexpected journey began. 

  

What is the meaning behind your brand name and logo?

My name is Georgina but my friends call me G for short. I live up to my name being a G (just ask my friends) I'm a G at everything. I wanted my brand to be as much of a G as me which is where the G came from. When people book me for shoots they are getting G shots of their car! My favourite thing about this is when i subject the emails - eg. Ferrari G-SHOTs. The logo is obviously shaped as a G but it's incorporated with a lens shutter, but also looks like a brake disc.

What was your first paid photoshoot? 

My first paid shoot was a Honda Civic down a back lane near where I live for £20 in May 2020! And after that i think i did about 3 more Honda Civics haha. My first shoot was a really good experience as I managed to upsell by selling 2x a3 prints to the client.

  

How did you build your instagram so quickly?

 

Before I started photography I didn't even have instagram or know how to use it. I am a little older than most people realise so I wasn't really down with the kids. Saying that, I am a G remember, so I managed to learn it pretty quickly. The key to building your instagram is to find your niche, create valuable content, build an audience and build a deep relationship with that audience. I built my valuable content by spending most of lockdown walking round shooting cars that I had found parked up. Once we were allowed out properly I went to car shows and London a few times for some day trips to find more exotic cars that I thought my followers would like. Once this resulted in me finding a Mclaren Senna wrapped in gold. It wasn't until I was on my way home that I found the owner of the Senna on instagram with 6 million followers! When I edited the photos and made a reel the owner shared the reel and my photos to his story and my account blew up in seconds. I actually had to turn my phone off because I could not cope with all the notifications. I almost cried and said ‘I don't want to be famous yet!’ haha!    

What is it like being a female photographer in the car scene? 

I get asked this all the time. It's actually no big deal! Being a female in a male dominated industry, the males are actually really respectful and I am grateful to every one of them. However i always make sure i am looking out for my own safety and this goes to anyone whether you are male or female, you are meeting a stranger to take photos. Always tell your friends or family where you are going, who youve got booked in and try to meet in public places. I have also learnt some self defence moves so I can karate chop my way to safety if ever needed, even for just walking down the street with expensive equipment. Stay safe folks!     

What are your tips and tricks for photographers starting out? 

Learn a new skill every day! From learning camera settings to editing. I am still learning and have a long way to go. If you are just starting out it’s easy to beat yourself up into thinking your work is not good enough. I have been there and to be honest I still look and compare myself to others and think I'm not good enough. Look in the mirror, you are your own competition. If you can improve on what you did yesterday you're already winning. I have followers on instagram who have followed me from day 1 and they often message about how much i have improved. People like to see progress, people thrive on other peoples' drive. I love to see people succeed. It definitely gives me more drive. Have faith in your work and keep pushing, don’t ever stop. The moment you lose faith in your work or your ability to grow then others will lose faith too.    

The one moment you remember that made you want to pursue car photography? 

My first Supercar booking in November 2020! 6 months into my Automotive Photography journey I got asked to photograph a Mclaren 570s! Now this was a massive step from those £20 Honda civics. The day was incredible. The client picked me up from my house in the Mclaren. Now bearing in mind i don't actually drive and i had never been in a Mclaren. I looked at the door and said ‘how do i open it!’ We spent the day driving round Dartmoor and did some shots in a number of locations. The client was really pleased with the shoot and I made a premium photobook for him. 2 years later the client now owns a Ferrari and booked me for another shoot and photobook!

What gives you a greater sense of achievement, the end product or the experience? 

100% the experience! Especially coming from somebody who doesn’t know how to drive yet. This always comes as a surprise when I tell people I can't drive but it does have its advantages. Firstly when clients pick me up from my normal end terraced house in a quiet cul-de-sac. The window twitchers are out in full force. I’ve been picked up in a variety of cars including an Audi R8, Mclaren 570s & Ferrari F8 Tributo! Being a passenger in track cars is also very very fun even if I think I'm going to die. My experience overall in the past 2 years has been a rollercoaster. I've travelled all over the country (via public transport meaning the editing gets done on the way home!) I've met some amazing people and photographed some amazing cars! Some of my favourites being a Camaro ZL1 and a Lamborghini Murcielago. I've also had the chance to work with some brilliant companies like WrapWorx in Devon and Collecting Cars covering Devon & Cornwall.

  

How did you manage to start selling your images? 

I purchased an Epson ET-14000 and learnt about printing and colours and offered prints as an extra to my clients. I also used some of my images from London and car shows to create posters and canvases to sell on Etsy. My best sellers are things like VW Campers as they are like collectables, I sell a lot at christmas and around fathers day. I also have an Official G-SHOT Calendar starting with the 2021 edition which sold out! I have decided to now make it a tradition and release one every year, 2022 & 2023 editions also sold out! So keep your eyes peeled for the 2024 edition which will be released around October/November.

  

When did you officially become self-employed? 

During my 2 years of photography I had a couple of part time jobs (which I hated). It wasn't until April 2022 I decided to quit everything else and solely do photography. This was SCARY! Especially as I have a child to feed and a roof to put over our heads. Times were tough, 2022 was a tough year to become self employed with the cost of living and all the other drama going on. But here I am 2023 still alive with bigger goals to smash! The best thing about being self employed is that I can be a mum and juggle everything to suit me! I take my daughter to shoots and shows with me and she fully gets involved taking her own pictures wearing her own G-SHOT t-shirt!  

Is there a car you haven't shot yet that you would love to try and capture? 

I definitely want to try to do some rally photography this year and get some good action shots in mud etc. Would also love to somehow get into formula 1. Dream big and all that.     

What are your goals for 2023? 

Get a feature in a magazine! So I can tick that one off, thank you Stance Auto Magazine! I have a few statistical goals I want to reach within my business regarding number of sales etc. I guess learning to drive is also on my list, however the cheapest insurance for a 29 year old is still savage and ill be looking at something like a fiat panda, so i'm in no hurry and would much prefer to still get picked up in Ferraris. My main goal for 2023 is to upgrade my camera. I will finally be making the switch from Canon to Sony!

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support throughout my journey. From fellow photographers to clients and businesses. You all have been truly amazing and I cannot wait to continue to learn and grow. If you are starting photography or need any advice on anything please message me on instagram. There's nothing more I love than watching someone's work improve. I believe in you!